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Picking up at instrument for the first time, not sure which one

I'm in my late 30s. I listen to music all the time but have not played any instrument before. There are a lot of instruments that I find interesting: electric guitar (rock), acoustic guitar, piano (jazz), cello, percussions, vibraphone, harp,...

As I'm completely new, I think I should pick up a simple instrument like electric bass or uke. Guitar (acoustic or electric) seems overwhelming with its 6 strings. What do you think?

I think it depends what you are really keen on. It's not too late to pick up an instrument, but inevitably it takes a lot of hard work and grit so if you're not really committed, you might give up.

I wouldn't bother with a ukelele, personally - it may be easy to play (I don't know) but is the final sound worth it?

If you love guitar, I'd say, go for it - but find a teacher.

However, out of the list you've given I'd go for piano - keyboard. The notes are there for you to find, and there are so many uses for it and so many different types of music that can use it - even just vamping as an accompaniment.

Plus it's a good basis for learning about harmony as well as melody. Once you know about chords, you might later decide to try guitar too.

The English language has 26 letters and a slew of symbols. We manage all right because we organise them into words and sentences.

The guitar has six strings but unless you're playing classical guitar or melody, you'll be playing chords. If you use tabs, you'll get the finger positions laid out for you. That way you don't have to read proper music.

The piano has loads of keys but only 12 basic notes. It uses two distinct clefs - one for the right hand and one for the left so you have a lot to learn about reading music before you can begin to play. It took some time between going c-a-t = cat and reading through War and Peace but there were a lot of nice books along the way.

Whatever you want to learn, you're going to have to cope with left and right hand co-ordination. A piano is easier because it's all laif out in front of you, no stretching down and peering at your hands on a guitar.

If you want to play jazz piano, then a lot of that is down to the chords and that takes some working on.

Whatever you do, get a teacher. OK it costs money, but it saves time and helps you get started.

Thanks for your input. It help me to decide and it is going to be the piano. Will take voice lessons too and might dab into flute as well (similar advantage to that of piano plus the added benefit of being small).

One more thing. I'm a mathematician. Would this be of any help with learning music?

They do say there's a connection - maybe understanding how the harmonies work and the shape of tunes etc.
However, my mathematical skills aren't very good, so I can't really comment - I am an arts person & where playing is concerned, I act on instinct!

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Thanks for your input. It help me to decide and it is going to be the piano. Will take voice lessons too and might dab into flute as well (similar advantage to that of piano plus the added benefit of being small).

Rez - I hope you will let us know how you get on?
Best wishes for your musical journey.